Tiger Claimed

Shifters Unleashed #1

by Harper A. Brooks

*Previously published as The Hunt*

From USA Today Bestselling Author Harper A. Brooks comes this mesmerizing story of love against all odds.

Centuries of hate and a legendary love to overcome it all…

One untimely trip to the marketplace makes Cara, a panther shifter, the prime suspect in the king’s murder. The tiger prince is set on seeing her rot in a prison cell, but she’ll do anything to keep her family from starving. Even agree to be imprisoned by the handsome tiger, who’s also her enemy.

Prince Kael is determined to claim vengeance for his father’s murder. He thought he could put his vendetta aside for the ceremonial Hunt, but one whiff of the panther suspect, and his inner tiger becomes unleashed. But in a cruel twist of fate, the magnetic bond he feels with Cara is one he can’t deny. And suddenly, he aches to claim her as his own.

The hatred between tigers and panthers is all their people know. If Kael and Cara follow their hearts, it could mean treason and death. Will they be blinded by the prejudice and sorrow of their pasts or will love finally reign free?

Genres: Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Mystery

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2021

About the author

Harper A. Brooks may be a Jersey girl at heart, but now she likes to hideout in the mountains of Virginia with bigfoot and all his little woodland friends. Even though classic authors have always filled her bookshelves, she finds her writing muse drawn to the dark, magical, and romantic. When she isn’t creating entire worlds with sexy shifters or legendary love stories, you can find her either with a good cup of coffee in hand or at home snuggling with her furry, four-legged son, Sammy.


RONE Award Winner
USA Today Bestselling Author
Amazon International Bestselling Author

Reviews

[Mei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

I liked it, but there's something in the way i was written that didn't make me love it.

The story is interesting, but too simple for my taste. You know since the start what will happen during the story, so I felt left down because I couldn't feel any suspense. I already knew how will fall in love with whom, who will betray, who will help.

Yes, the book is rather short, so I suppose if it was longer something could have been done about it, but unfortunately that was not the case.

Both Kael, the hero, and Cara, the heroine, don't have any depth in them. They're too naive, too trusting with wrong people and non-trusting to those who are in the right. And that's something that I don't appeciate.

I found that the best told and interesting part was the prologue.

So, for me this was one average 2.5 stars rounded to 3. Sorry...

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!

The cover is beautiful and what grabbed my attention to want to read this book and the description made is a must!

This is my first time reading Harper’s work, and it is the first book in this new series! It is for adults only due to the steamy scenes and violence.

This is a cool new shifter world Sarja with a unique idea of how the shifters started. I loved Cara’s character! She is strong and has values. She has a backstory that made me cry! Kael’s parents are pretty heartless, but Kael has a beautiful heart. He wants to believe his parents aren’t evil, but he is not so close-minded that he doesn’t investigate to make his own decisions. I have that about him. Cara and him are definitely a great match. Cara’s compassion and love changes Kael for the good. Cara definitely had some issues with not seeing what was going on with other panthers in her village.

I definitely want to check out more of Harper’s work and watch for more in this series to see where it goes! This is a great start to a series!

I recommend this book to any shifter fan who wants a new and unique world mixed with treachery!

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first novel in a new shifter paranormal series based in the Sajra, a great city, and the nearby Bilha Forest. It is in this city that the shifters live - there are lions, tigers, lepards, cheetahs . . . and the last of them all, the panthers. The prologue tells of their origins. Initially the majestic, wise and kind lions had ruled the city but they died out almost fifty years ago and the tigers took over. The rei and regis acted as king and queen but they were selfish and ensured the panthers were treated as the lowest citizens, making life difficult for them.

When the rei is publicly assassinated, his son, Prince Kael assumes a panther woman is responsible, captures and imprisons her but is shocked by her protestations of innocence - and even more amazed that he believes her. Not only that, but she becomes the one he thinks about when considering the ceremonial Hunt in which mates run together. This is against all the current rules, but love sometimes will find a way to ensure rules may be broken and life become better for all.

It is a story with well crafted characters who develop and grow through the story. Prince Kael learns that all he’s been brought up to believe isn’t necessarily true and has some difficult decisions to make about his future. Dare he overturn current tradition and belief by taking one of the lowly panthers to be his mate? Will his love help overturn decades of prejudice? Even if he asks, will Cara agree? She is used to putting her sister and gran first, will she put love above all else? With a poisoning assassin on the loose, can they survive long enough to actually have a chance to make such decisions? With treason, trouble, rebellion and romance this is an engaging read and a brilliant start to a new series, a real page turner - I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more by this author and in this series in future!

I was gifted an ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars - 3 Flames

Oh how I love me some shifters, but I think that this is the first time I've read about a crossover romance; Tigers and Panthers!!! Just a little helpful information before I start the review. Make sure you actually LOOK at the map at the beginning of the story. It really shows exactly where the Panthers and Tiger's live in proximity, as well as where the marketplace is in relation to their homes/forest.

Cara is a panther. A panther who, like the rest of her kind have been shunned down upon and exiled to the edge of the river to live, due to a five decade old tragedy. The food is scarce, the living conditions are harsh and she's been taking care of her family for seven years on her own. While trading a family heirloom for food, Cara is caught in the middle of the assassination of the Rei (King/Ruler of their lands). Immediately running for her life, she's faced with a decision in order to save her family.

Kael is a Tiger and the Prince to the assassinated King. He was also there when it happened, looked into the eyes of the person he thought was responsible and took off to kill in return. But when he finally caught up to the "assassin", he was struck by the beauty of Cara. While returning her to the prison, she makes accusations that he finds hard NOT to believe, causing him to doubt his own family and things he's been raised to believe.

Page after page, we learn more and more about the history of the lands and the truth behind the death of a beloved ruler, all while witnessing the love blossom between Kael and Cara. Of course there is also the need to be loved/accepted by family (Kael) and the fear of failure (Cara), but when they focus on each other, anything is possible.

I've never read this author before, and I have to say that I'm impressed and looking forward to the next installment. Please! Please, oh please be Corbin. Just sayin'....LOL

*I received this book from the Jeep Diva in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Elizabeth Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara, a panther shifter, needs to provide for her family, her grandmother, Ryna, and little sister, Alina, and unfortunately, there are very few willing to trade with her kind. Cara heartbreakingly parts with the handmade scarf her father gifted to her mother at the Hunt that started their family...the last piece she has of her parents. As she's leaving the marketplace, the rei, the tiger king, makes an appearance, declaring the Hunt will start soon and that his son, Kael, the tiger prince, will be participating. However, shortly after his announcement, and before Cara can warn the ruling family upon feeling something pass her face, the rei is killed by a poisoned dart. Cara, terrified and knowing how panthers are perceived in her world, runs for her life.

Kael quickly chases the panther, believing he's responsible for his father's death. Kael despises panthers, wishing his father would've eliminated them all when one had killed a Noble. He vows to not be as forgiving as his father when he officially becomes the rei. When he confronts the panther, he's surprised to realize he is a she, and a beautiful one at that. Kael, determined to arrest her for murder, warns her he'll be back. However, Cara, knowing she has no choice but to obey, follows Kael as he leaves her panther filled village.

After returning to his family's home, Kael is informed he will become the new rei and announce his mating choice on the morning of the Hunt, in four days. He's determined to be a good rei and deems his first order of business is to learn if Cara is telling the truth and deal with her accordingly. Since taking her into custody, he's questioned his protective feelings and attraction for her, as well as the actions of his parents seven years ago when Cara begged for help to save her own parents, help she was denied. Could his father have been wrong about the panthers? Was Kael, and everyone else, misled with the stories they've been told for decades?

Cara can't believe when Kael sets her free, saying he confirmed her story, and therefore her innocence, and that he's also returning her mother's scarf. This has to be a trick, right? As they're discussing what Cara remembers from the time directly before the murder, a familiar scent hits Cara's nose, the same one she smelled before the rei was murdered. She acts immediately and pushes Kael out of the way, taking the poisoned dart instead. Kael, as he instantly moves to help Cara, can't help but think that she's the exact type of regis that his people need, the mate that he needs, that he wants.

"A panther risking her life to save a tiger, and a tiger begging for help to save her. Maybe all hope isn't lost for Sajra." - Nura, a healer

What happens when Kael and Cara can no longer deny the intense chemistry, the feelings, they have for one another? Will Kael's mother, and all of Sajra, accept Kael's choice, a panther, as his mate?  Who is responsible for the rei's murder and the attack on Kael? When Cara uncovers the assassin's identity, will she be able to escape her captor and warn Kael? Will she be forced into a mating with her captor? Will Kael and Cara be able to overcome the obstacles in their way? Will they become mates and have their own HEA?

One-click now to follow along as two people, forbidden to be anything other than enemies, discover a love that is powerful, eternal, and undeniable.

**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**

[Mal ✨ | Tales Of A Bookbug · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting start to a new fantasy series.I really loved the world building and the completely original setting the author has created.The story about the origin of the shifters is really fascinating.
In the world of Sajra, different kinds of shifters exist.After the lion shifters died out, the tiger shifters became the ruling monarchy.Panthers occupy the lowest rung in the shifter society, due to a mistake made by one of their ancestors.They are shunned,pushed out of the city and forced to live on the outskirts by the river.

Cara is one such panther shifter, who is trying to get some food for her family when she witnesses the assassination of the Rei(King) of Sajra, and becomes the prime suspect.Prince Kael's father has just been killed and he is the next target.He is determined to resolve the issue before he becomes the Rei.With the Ceremonial Hunt approaching,he must choose a mate before he ascends the throne.In the Ceremonial Hunt, shifters run together with their chosen mate-the one with whom they would spend the rest of their lives.He is fascinated by Cara and he begins to learn that many things he believed to be true might be lies.

Cara has already been let down once and experienced major loss due to the royal family.She wants nothing to do with the Prince who suspects her and protects her at the same time.But she can't help the attraction she feels for him.With conspiracies,death threats and secrets abound,will they be able to make it together?

Both Cara and Kael were great main characters.But I believe they could have been fleshed out more.The plot and storyline was pretty good, though predictable at some parts.My favorite part was the background,history of shifters and the world that the author has created.Though I didn't find any faults with the book, it didn't really keep me hooked all the time and wasn't unputdownable for me personally.

So guys, if you're looking a new,completely original paranormal romance with a good plot to go along with the romance, then give this on a chance! :)

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to describe this? It's like a mashup of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella but with Shifters. Cara is a panther, once all shifter species lived in peace and harmony under the benevolent rule of the lions but after a panther assassinated the last lion rei, the tigers took over and drove the panthers out of the town and into a conclave - I felt that the author maybe wanted me to draw parallels with segregation or Nazi Germany but TBH I thought that was a stretch. Visiting the market to sell her mother's treasured Hunt headdress in order to buy food for her grandmother and baby sister Cara witnesses the assassination of the rei, and the rei's son Kael believes she threw the poison dart.

Although naturally suspicious of panthers, having been brought up to believe they are untrustworthy, thieves, liars, murderers etc, Karl feels an instant attraction to Cara and when he survives an assassination attempt whilst visiting Cara's prison cell only because she saves him, Kael begins to believe that at least one panther is not all she seems to be.

The writing reminded me a little of some of Anne McCaffrey's short stories - maybe The Coelura?

I enjoyed the novel but it was a bit over-simplistic and too many stereotypes.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If not mistaken this author has not written many but fortunate for us readers she has chosen a series in paranormal. She will get you involved right away with Prince Kael whom will have a big upset. Whom he thinks caused it will also pull on emotional strings (just like this author does) with Cara being a suspect. When it is unraveling we get to be right there every step of the way. She will give us how love will conquer prejudice also. It will also be hard not to become attached to this prince because he belongs to someone else. I find it exhilarating reading love/hate battles seeing who will come out on top. By the time it is finished unraveling with final outcome you will have been melted by heat and satisfied your craving for suspense. Good beginning also in this series.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley/ Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This was book 1 in a new series by a new author for me. I had been on a historical fiction kick for a while now but when I heard about this book I decided to give it a shot. We have two people Kael and Cara who are apart of a world that is full of prejudice and injustice. They meet and their world is never the same. I enjoyed this story a great deal. It pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. I will be interested to read more in this series.

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a little bit for me to get into this book, but once I did, I couldn’t stop. The story is an interesting and unique look at shapeshifters; the characters are well developed and the story reads smoothly. The Hunt is the beginning of a series but doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, but it does end in a way to make you want to read more about Cara, Kael, and the people of Sajra.

Overall, I loved it and The Hunt is a strong 4 Boundless Star book....Beth

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[Katrina Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hunt by Harper A. Brooks is Book 1 of the Shifter Origins Series.

An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review and I did so voluntarily.

This is a shifter paranormal romance that is sure to appeal to many readers alike with it’s unique storyline and background of the shifter world and it’s beginnings, not to mention the mystery and suspense, action and heat that are woven beautifully in this read. What a great start to a new series. Nicely done Ms. Brooks!

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol)]

4.0/5.0

Read full review in the 2017 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[C Exley Books (Cassandra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am lucky to be part of the The Hunt Blog Tour and get a copy to read and do an honest review.

This is a great beginning of the Sifter Origins series. This is my first Harper A. Brooks story and it won’t be my last. She has delivered a shifter read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Cara a panther shifter, needs to provide for her family, her grandmother, Ryna and little sister, Alina and unfortunately there are very few willing to trade with her kind. Cara heartbreakingly parts with the handmade scarf her father gifted to her mother at the Hunt that started their family and the last piece she had of her parents. As she is leaving the marketplace the Rei, the tiger king makes an appearance declaring the Hunt will start soon and that his son Kael, the tiger prince will be participating. However shortly after his announcement and before Cara can warn them upon feeling something pass her face the rei is killed by a poisoned dart. Cara terrified and knowing how panthers are perceived in her world runs for her life.

Kael quickly chases the panther believing she is responsible for his father’s death. He despises panthers, wishing his father eliminated them all when one killed a Noble. He vows not to be as forgiving as his father when he officially becomes the rei. When he confronts the panther he is surprised to realize he is a she and a beautiful one. Kael, determined to arrest her for murder warns her he will be back.

The mythos behind how the shifters were created in the prologue was unique and interesting. There was drama. Muster and romance woven into this story. I was drawn into this world that I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to see where this series leads.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*

[Kristi Metcalf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy for a honest review

This is my first Harper A. Brooks book and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I love shifters stories and the take the Brooks gave is her own little spin on the beginnings of feline shifters. Her storytelling pulled me in from the beginning with how it started right away and there was no lag time between the happenings in the foreword and the story itself.
Our story happens during a time and place that panther shifters are shunned and hated, tigers are the ruling felines with the other feline races in the middle.
Cara is a panther doing all that she can for her younger sister and aging grandmother. It's hard though because being a panther they live on the outskirts of the great city where there is little animals for hunting and no one in the city wants to trade with a panther.
Kael is the tiger prince, the next Rei or king in their world. He's known nothing really other than his training as the next Rei and the things he's learned from his father.
The Hunt is where a male picks his mate and they run through the sacred forest hoping to receive blessings from blessed mother Sajara.
Cara and Kael meet when the current Rei, Kael's father, is murdered in the town square while announcing the hunt will start soon. Kael thinks that Cara is the assassin and takes chase, Cara being a hated panther does the only thing she can do.....RUN.
Cara will doing anything for her little family including being falsely imprisoned. During the time leading up to the Hunt lots of things happen, but the most important thing I think is Kael learning that maybe his father didn't know everything about his people and Cara learning that it's ok to take care of her grandmother and sister, but she can not forget herself while doing so.
The Hunt was a sweet little shifter story with some intrigue mixed in. I would definitely read more stories set in this shifter world.

[Petula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tiger shifter Prince Kael has just witnessed the assassination of his father, and takes off after the killer. It appears to be one of the criminal panthers. In the days following the King's death Kael learns just how divided the different types of shifters that live in the city are.
Panther shifter Cara was trying to trade for food for her family, when someone killed the King. When it seems she is the target of the one looking for the killer, she runs, Nobody will believe a word a lowly panther says. The panthers have suffered terribly since the tigers took the throne.
This is a tale of racial discrimination among shifters, and old secrets coming back to affect the future. The seeds of rebellion have been sown. How can peace be restored?
An interesting take on the origins of Shifters.

[Mommaleena · Rating 5 out of 5]

•Ancestral Enemies

An absolute great start to a new shifter series. With this being my first Harper A Brooks!/ story I had no idea what to expect. You'll not only be on the edge of your seat as you turn page after page trying to solve the mystery, but you'll be intrigued from the prologue. She pulled me in with the background of Sajra~ “the blessed mother,” and I cannot wait to read more of these shifters!
Cara a panther shifter(quiet and submissive but more loyal than any of the others) went to the market to trade her mothers hunting headscarf at the market for some meat for her grandmother and little sister. It was the last remaining essence of her mother(*direct book quote) the scent of hilisha flowers and honey, but she had to have some food. The panthers have been outcasts for almost 50 years because one had been accused of assassinating the oldest Noble. As a result, very few will trade with them culminating in them being taken advantage of because they have no choice but to accept what's offered. Watching Rei Salus announce that his son prince Kael will run in this years hunt and choose his regis, her skin prickled letting her know that someone was behind her. She could smell the faint, crisp scent of mint leaves, then something too small to see in its speed blew past her face, whistling through the air toward the dias. Before she could yell out, Rei Salus fell to the ground and died. Prince Kael looked up and locked eyes with Cara. Although she's innocent before he could finish yelling "panther" she was already running away into the forest, because she knows no matter what panthers are guilty of everything. Cara wishes they could go back to the "golden era"- her grandmother says it was a time of peace between the species, love was plentiful and hierarchy did not exist. Will there ever be a time like that again?
Kael the tiger shifter(elegance, with a coat of striking black stripes) prince takes off for the panther that had just killed his father in front of him and all of Sajra. He needed to show the people of Sajra he's strong enough to be their ruler, there's no time for mourning or grief, it's just the tiger's way. Karl has to find that panther, his father should have eliminated them completely after the one killed the oldest Noble. When he became rei, he wouldn’t be as foolish and forgiving as his father.(*direct book quote). Today he would kill the Panther that killed his father and get rid of the rest when he became rei so they couldn't taint Sajra anymore. When he cornered the panther inside the hut he found out it wasn't a man after all, but a woman who swore she didn't kill the rei. “The dart came from behind me. I heard the crunching of footsteps, smelled mint, and the rei fell.”(*direct book quote). Because he had his guards stay behind he has no choice but to leave Cara behind, but tells them he'll be back. Anyone who tries to hide her would be arrested and anyone who tries to fight would be killed.
Cara was just another panther accused of a crime and taken away from the village. It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last.(* direct book quote). Is prince Kael actually thinking of believing Cara? No, it must be the trickery his father always told him about the panthers. They're nothing but liars and thieves, they'll say anything to steal from you. What will Kael ultimately do? Is he going to be the rei that the people of Sajra need? And what kind of rei do they need? You'll have to read THE HUNT to find out. Once I was able to start reading I couldn't put it down, it's an intriguing story, I'm excitedly waiting for more of this series. I received an ARC via Entangled Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fluff—short on plot, depth and world development, high on drama and feels. But sometimes a little fluff is what a body needs. I liked both Cara and Kael. Cara was a strong heroine, self-sacrificing and up front in her beliefs. Kael was an endearing hero, large and imposing but no alpha-a-hole. The reader sees his insecurities and very real desire to do the right thing. True, the ‘love’ is all but instant. The couple goes from strangers…less than strangers (enemies really) to eternal, bonded, loving mates in about two days. And then they manage to undo the snarls of hated, self interest, and racism in seemingly just about as much time. So, maybe there’s not anything approaching believably here. But Brooks does make you feel for the couple and root for their success all the same. Lastly, mine was a ARC copy and might not have had it’s final copy edit, so I can’t comment on editing, but the writing is quite readable. I’m not disappointed to be committed to reading book two.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie book Blog. This author is new to me. This story is about Cara and Prince Kael. Cara was a strong heroine, self-sacrificing and up front in her belief. Cara is a panther shifter. The prince, a tiger shifter and enemy of the panthers, wasn’t friendly at first either, until it turned out that Cara was his mate. If Cara and Kael choose each other, their world as they know it could literally collapse. And what if the other doesn't choose them back? Can he even walk away from a mate? This is a fun and exciting paranormal romance! Keep up the amazing work! I can't wait to read more from you. I recommend reading this one.

REVIEW BY CHANTELLE

[Chantelle Bouffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I've volunteered to review this book for United Indie book Blog. This author is new to me. This story is about Cara and Prince Kael. Cara was a strong heroine, self-sacrificing and up front in her belief. Cara is a panther shifter. The prince, a tiger shifter and enemy of the panthers, wasn’t friendly at first either, until it turned out that Cara was his mate. If Cara and Kael choose each other, their world as they know it could literally collapse. And what if the other doesn't choose them back? Can he even walk away from a mate? This is a fun and exciting paranormal romance! Keep up the amazing work! I can't wait to read more from you. I recommend reading this one.

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prologue in the first book of this series has an interesting and intriguing take on how the shifters were created.

Kael is a tiger shifter and next in line to become the "Rei", king of Salja. He has been groomed to follow in his father's footsteps. Something he has done blindly with no questions. Until now!

Cara is an orphan panther shifter who has taken on the responsibility of caring for her younger sister and grandmother. The panthers are the outcasts of the shifter community and are treated with disrespect. They live in poor conditions and struggle for life necessities.

Salus is the current king of Salja. Whilst making the announcement of Kael's participation in the forthcoming hunt which is an annual ritual where the shifters choose their mates, something unexpected happens. Instantly Kael's focus is on Cara. She is a panther, therefore guilty! He chases after her only to discover that she is not who he expected when he catches up with her. He has no choice but to take the necessary steps. He is intrigued by her compassion, something that doesn't exist in his world, specifically where panthers are concerned.

Kael starts to question what he has been led to believe for all of his life and finds that nothing is at it seems. His life has been full of deceit and betrayal. Learning the truth after all this time infuriates him and he decides to do whatever it takes to put things right. There is a rebellion against the current regime going on and Kael is the primary target.

Cara is compassionate and doesn't hesitate to save anyone, even her enemy! She is too trusting. Kael has been naive up until now but thanks to Cara, he is now wiser. Can a panther and a tiger restore the peace in Salja?

This story brings another concept to the shifter world. It's predictable in places but that doesn't take away the interest in knowing of how it all turns out. It's a great start to this new series.

I was kindly issued with an eARC via NetGalley. This is an honest review.

[Gigi staub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince Kael has just lost his father to an assassin, and he’s the next target. A murderer is on the loose, the kingdom is in disarray, and Kael is determined to make the person responsible for killing his father pay. But falling for the beautiful Cara, panther-shifter and main suspect in his father’s murder, wasn’t part of the plan. He’s not at all sure she did it, and he finds himself going against everything he’s ever known just to claim her.

The ceremonial Hunt is approaching, and mates must be chosen to run together. The hatred between the tiger and panther species is all they know. If Kael and Cara follow their hearts, it could mean treason and death.




Review:




This is a brand new shifter series that has lots of promise.




The mythos behind how the shifters were created in the prologue was unique and interesting. Once we get into the meat of the story, I liked the girl from the wrong side of the forest and the prince from the right side vibe to the book. Being ostracized is nothing new to most people, but for me it added a depth to the story and a great tension for the plot. There was drama, mystery, romance and sexiness woven into this story. I was so drawn into this world that I could not put it down until I finished it. I am curious to see where this series leads. To me there were no obvious couples to come next from the story or if it is going to be a continuation of this couple.




This new-to-me Author had me drawn in from the start.




4Stars




*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

[JoDeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The minute I heard about this book I was so excited .When I got the chance to read this book early I literally read it in 4 or 6 hours . I could not put it down ,The Hunt was a fantastic story by Harper A Brooks.

In this book we follow and Cara and Kael and I think it safe to say that these two definitely did not meet under the best circumstances . Kael thinks that Cara killed his father and gets her put in jail and Cara is already not the biggest fan of Tiger Shifter in the first places. However as we get deeper into the story and they get closer and closer and things start to change .The romance in this book was fantastic, Cara a panther shifter and Kael is a tiger shifter they are part of two species that hate each other in this Kingdom, however the attraction between them could not be denied , I was rooting for these two to be together no matter what happened . I was just fascinated by the kingdom this book is set in with all of these shifters and the history of its people and land .With a sexy romance , an intriguing cast of characters , the fascinating city of Sajra and did I mention all the shifters ? I probably did but I just wanted to mention that again lol . Harper A Brooks creates an amazing story with The Hunt .

The Hunt was a sexy , thrilling , action packed paranormal romance that holds on to you and does not let go until you reach the very last page . I cannot wait to get my hands on Harper A Brooks next book.

[Nikki Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read by this author and I wasn't disappointed! Set in the city of Sajra, it has a distincly middle eastern feel I felt. Great exotic location for a new PNR populated by all the Big Cats! We learn that sometime ago a Panther Shifter killed the Rei (King) and now all Panthers are shunned and they live in pretty much destitution. Cara, a panther, has the misfortune of being in the market when the current Rei is killed and is quickly rounded up as the assassin.

Prince Kael, is enraged and assumes that the assassin was male but when confronted by Cara, he still imprisons her. When he later goes to release her, he would have been killed if not for Cara's quick actions. When he takes care of her and later lets her go, Cara is very confused over what he wants from her. She is still fending off the advances of Rafe, a long time playmate but he does not set her body alight as Kael does. But he is the next in line for the throne and she is a peasant, she really shouldn't hold out much hope that he'd return her feelings...or does he?

Great characters who grow throughout the book and adapt their opinions and long held beliefs. Great secondary characters like Danil and Corbin are also great at moving the story along. Traditions, treason and power grabbing all have their place in the downfall of one regme and the rise of a fairer, friendlier future!

Hoping for more in this world!

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new series with a tale of origins of the shifter society that lived in the city and the nearby forest. I was pulled in by the society hierarchy of the different shifter cat species. The tug here and there. The suspense of who killed the king and why. How was the prince going to find the killer? How was the prince going to deal with his attraction to the wrong female shifter? Would there be a union between the species or war? Will they live to see the next day?

I got me a rich story of betrayal, strife, sacrifice, commitment, secrets, truths, racism, and more. Cara happens to be in the wrong place and the time of a murder that puts her in the cross-hairs of the hunter. Her life will never be the same from that point forward. Prince Kael has to find the killer and fast. He has to track all the things that lead to the murder and he discovers much.

This was my first in more ways than one. New author and new line of the Entangled Publishing. I did enjoy this one. I would like to see what comes next and the direction things will take from here.

**This ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

The prologue gives us an origin to base the story on.
We are introduced to a variety of shifters that live in Sajra. Within this society the panthers on the lowest and looked down upon. When Kael captures and imprisons Cara for the murder of the rei but learns that what he believes is true and falls for Cara.

But do they have a chance in a society where she is on the bottom rung. Since this is the first book in a new series I'm giving it a four because I believe this is just an introduction to bigger and better things. But I would like to see more depth in the characters.

[Barrie Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very unique telling of shifters. It isn't my kind of read but was enjoyable. Kael is prince to the shifters and has been taught to hate panthers from his parents. When his father is killed by a dart and the panther, Cara, is standing near where the dark came from, Kael is ready to kill her. Till he's talking to her in the prison and someone tries to kill him with a dart and Cara pushes him away. I did find it hard to believe that they fell for each other as fast as they did. I'll be interested to read the next book.

I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Robert Defrank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A star-crossed romance and murder mystery, with wildcan shifters.

In a jungle kingdom of cat-shifters, the panthers are on the bottom rung of the social ladder due to an alleged ancestral crime, which led to the downfall of the lions and the rise of the tiger dynasty. What matters to panther-shifter Cara is the need to provide for her family, then she's accused of causing the death of the tiger ruler. Kael, heir to the throne, is having doubts, helped along by his burgeoning love for Cara.

Well written, with excellent characterization, and a unique setting. Definitely check it out.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the advanced reader's copy I was gifted by NetGalley*

I really liked the whole world set up, how the different species of cat separated from one perfect being and turned into something sad and prejudice. The writing style was great, the characters were good, and the chemistry between the MCs were great, if not a little rushed in the beginning. The plot was a little surprising, and I absolutely loved the ending. Definitely a book to read.

[Dalene · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I would like to thank the author who gifted the book to me through netgalley. I enjoyed this book although the concept of cross species getting together is newer to me. The characters are well developed and written. The storyline is good. I look forward to reading more from Harper A Brooks.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually big on paranormal stories but every once in awhile one comes along that grabs you and keeps you on your toes for the entire story. This is THE story! Add some paranormal with our heroine, some romance, and you have got a fantastic story.